The first South African Sign Language (SASL) curriculum ever is now being implemented in two Western Cape schools as a matric subject, says the Western Cape Education Department.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has greatly welcomed the introduction of the new subject on a National Senior Certificate (NSC) level.
Nine schools in the country will be writing sign language exams and the subject is now also officially offered from grade one to 12.
DA’s Western Cape spokesperson on Social Development, Lorraine Botha, recognised the part of sign language specialists who have helped make this change possible.
“This offers a platform for those with hearing disabilities to also be recognised as a fundamental part of the South African culture and society.” Botha said to EWN.
In 2011 through to 2013 the Western Cape Education Department conducted a SASL pilot project which helped establish the subject in schools for the deaf.
“There are currently only nine schools in the country that will be sitting for the 2018 (NSC) SASL exams,” DA spokesperson on social development, Lorraine Botha said.
“Two schools in the Western Cape, De La Bat School for the Deaf in Worcester and Dominican Wittebome’s matriculants have the privilege of presenting SASL on home language level at the end of 2018.”
Thousands of people are affected by hearing disabilities in South Africa and Cape Town, this new educational approach will help bridge the gap and uplift those in need.
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